Life can come at you fast. It can be a petri dish of adventures, emotions, mysteries, and ups and downs. In no greater place do these varied facts of life reveal themselves than in the beloved anime series, Gintama. Being known for its sharp wit, Japanese pop-culture references, exaggerated satirical comedy, and its unique cast of characters, it has managed to become a mainstay in the hearts of anime communities around the globe.
But while the series has had its share of hilariously side-splitting events, its lesser-known gift is its capacity to deliver plenty of somber, heartwarming, and even educational moments for its fans to ponder. In this list, we'll take a look at 5 moments from the series that made us laugh and 5 that made us cry.
10 Laugh: When Santa Came To Visit Kagura
A scene that looks like it was ripped straight out of a Jackass sketch comes in episode 37. After crashing their sleigh into Gintoki and losing all their presents. Santa and his reindeer attempt to discover the true meaning of Christmas by spreading the spirit through gift-giving. But there's a catch; they refuse to visit any spoiled children with expensive taste, so they elect to visit little Kagura who only desires a steamed pork bun. What unfolds is a gut-busting display of comedy reminiscent of the early 2000's prank shows. If you're looking for a good laugh, be sure to give this episode a watch.
9 Cry: Gengai's Robot
An episode that masterfully blends comedy with heartache is episode 17 of the series first season. It introduces Edos's most accomplished inventor, Gengai. The episode focuses on his assignment appointed by the shogun and his backstory involving his son and his robot Saburo. After being tasked to use his robot inventions to put on a show for the 20th anniversary of the Amanto's arrival in Edo, he is manipulated by the anti-amanto terrorist group to wipe out the shogun and the Shinsengumi. The episode goes on to show the touching father and son relationship between Gengai and his son, Saburo, who tragically died during the Amanto war and whose name lives on in his father's most prized robot creation.
8 Laugh: Neo Armstrong Cyclone Jet Armstrong Cannon
A legendary and powerful weapon used in numerous galactic wars throughout the series and also a running gag about the male reproductive organ. First appearing in episode 38, the Neo Armstrong Cyclone Jet Armstrong Cannon is the inspiration behind Odd Jobs sculpture during the Chiki Chiki Kabukicho Snow Festival.
To the dismay of Shinpachi, who is called a pervert and blamed for having a dirty mind, the sculpture goes on to impress many of the festival's attendees and competitors, all recounting the weapon's power and notoriety. The Neo Armstrong Cyclone Jet Armstrong Cannon becomes a comedic fixture throughout the series making appearances in multiple episodes.
7 Cry: Gin Loses His Memory
After getting into an accident while on the way home from buying the latest issue of JUMP, Gintoki wakes up in a hospital bed with no recollection of his past. He disbands the Odd Jobs gang and attempts to start his life again by getting a factory job. Seeing all the recurring characters of the series reactions to the new Gin is comedic, yet heartbreaking. The saddest sight is Kagura, who takes the situation the hardest, nearly loses all hope in humanity after Gin leaves her and Shinpachi to fend for themselves. The usual comedic air of the series turns into a sense of hopelessness and malaise.
6 Laugh: Toilet Showdown
Episode 79 is home to one of the funniest moments of the series. Kondou is trapped on the toilet after realizing that the stall he was using is out of toilet paper. After nearly losing his mind, he hears faint noises coming from the stall next to him. He quickly discovers Gintoki trapped in the same condition. The situation unfolds into a hilarious battle of wits between Gin, Kondou, Toujou, and Binbokusai to see who will be the first to wipe their butt. What results is a gem of comedic brilliance that any fan could enjoy.
5 Cry: The Old Man and Kintarou
If you've ever had a pet of your own, then episode 129 will hit you right in the feels. It opens to Kagura and Sadaharu at the animal hospital, where they run into Katsura, who is there with Elizabeth. At the hospital, they encounter an old alien dog, named Kintarou.
On the verge of death, Kintarou wishes to see his owner one last time. The episode goes on to detail the relationship between Kintarou and his owner, who we find out is also on his deathbed. What results is a touching story of a man and his best friend that becomes a real tearjerker for anyone who's watching.
4 Laugh: Smoking Ban
Cigarettes are bad. So bad, that we got an entire episode dedicated to the fact. Episode 119 starts with the Shinsengumi initiating an Edo-wide ban on the smoking of cigarettes. But what it fails to take into account is that one of its highest-ranking members is a habitual chain-smoker. Defeated and depressed, Hijikata leaves Earth to scour the galaxy in search of a planet where he can still smoke his favorite treats. He happens on multiple planets until he arrives at one eerily similar to something out of the Dragon Ball Universe, equipped with its versions of some of the series most popular characters.
3 Cry: Jirocho Attacks Otose
Episode 211 brings us one of the darkest moments of Gintama's long and glorious run. The relationship between Gintoki and Otose throughout the series, was at times, lighthearted and others volatile. Nevertheless, there existed a maternal bond between them comparable to that of a mother and a son. That's why when Jirocho attacked Otose, it produces one of the only instances in the series where Gintoki loses all control of himself and fights with blind, burning rage. The aftermath, living on as one of the most poignant and somber moments of the series.
2 Laugh: Kintama Arc
Gintoki has his identity stolen by Kintoki, an android built by the world-famous Gengai, the comedy that ensues borders on genius. This event begins the Kintama Arc, Kintama being Japanese slang for testicles, and makes for some of the funniest moments in the series. The android Kintoki goes on to replace Gin in all facets of his life. He takes his position as the head of Odd Jobs and assumes his relationships with his friends throughout Edo. He begins to feel regret for all of his past actions and how he treated his friends, and the world he knew starts to become a better place because of his absence. This is a must-watch episode for any Gintama fan.
1 Cry: Okita Arc
The arc that introduces the older sister of the captain of the Shinsengumi is a heavy-hearted one. It starts by detailing the backstory of her character, how she single-handledly raised herself and her brother after their parent's untimely death. She serves as the main love interest of Hijikata, going as far back as showing their childhood, eventually revealing how she developed tuberculosis. The short arc culminates with a myriad of emotions and events exclusive to Gintama that range from sorrowful and wistful to amusing and absurd. The most enduring image is Hijikata eating her favorite meal on the rooftop right before the credits begin to roll.